shyster.inc

54 Grafton Street

Tel:024 7623 9186

www.shysterinc.org
sue@shysterinc.org

Since 1984, shyster.inc (the new trading name of The Open Theatre Company Ltd), has been promoting training, research and innovation in theatre-making. We are a not-for-profit company and registered charity. We work locally, regionally, nationally and internationally within a unique methodology which has its roots in the creativity of people with learning disabilities and has been developed by us. Our prime aim has been artistic excellence rather than any therapeutic outcomes. However, we are also increasingly aware of the role our methodology can play in helping children and adults with autism and other learning disabilities to not only achieve their full potential as human beings but also to express themselves creatively. Four core interlinked strands of the organisation’s activity are now clearly delineated, each underpinned by the shyster methodology: theshysters.theatrecompany is an ensemble of actors (currently 8) with learning disabilities established in 1997. Within an original aesthetic and vision the company devise and perform high quality, inventive and exciting accessible work. Working closely with their artistic director, and a variety of other artists within and beyond the field of theatre and film, the actors challenge themselves fearlessly through a wide range of physical and visual performance techniques. Alongside other creative catalysts their experiences and perceptions of the world result in imaginative, stylish, and wildly entertaining acclaimed theatre and award winning film. theshyster.shadows a training company for young adults with learning disabilities (currently 18) was established in 2002 in response to the lack of mainstream training in the performing arts available to people with learning disabilities in the UK. The shyster.shadows rehearse and collaborate regularly with the shysters in both theatre and film productions. shyster.ed delivers the educational practice that grows out of the shyster methodology. Over the past five years we have established a sustained and influential programme of work in primary and secondary special schools in the West Midlands, all of which has had a huge effect on learning, self-development and notions of learning disability within these schools. shyster.share communicates our methodology, expertise and understanding through a range of activities such as networking events, research and training programmes and publications, including our recently published book Learning Disability and Contemporary Theatre.